Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
I would like to inquire about lymphadenopathy associated with necrosis? Hello Doctor: I have had a history of epilepsy since childhood, but it has been well controlled. At 36, I experienced ovarian decline, and by 37, I had completely gone through menopause. I have had a persiste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: Could this be Kikuchi disease? Is necrosis very serious? Is surgery necessary, or are there other more conservative treatment options? Response: Kikuchi disease requires a lymph node biopsy. Necrosis is merely ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a small wound on my fingertip caused by a sharp object, but it has stopped bleeding by today, so it can be considered an overnight wound. However, today I came into contact with a person living with HIV who has a wound on their hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. The transmission routes...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Shot
Questions regarding post-vaccination issues? Hello, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine on December 6th, and my first dose was the AZ vaccine in September. I experienced a fever after the first dose, but I didn't have any significant reactions after the second dose....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chest pain you described due to a change in posture is not typically a symptom of myocarditis; it is usually caused by muscle or bone strain. If it were myocarditis, the chest pain would be persistent and accompanied by shortness of breath. It is advisable to monitor t...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Shot
Pentoxifylline for Reducing Creatinine Levels: Efficacy and Duration
Kidney problems Dear Doctor: Is Forflow (Pentoxifylline 400mg) effective in reducing creatinine levels? How long can it be taken continuously?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, although no background information was provided, Pentoxifylline 400mg can be used in patients with chronic kidney disease. The effects may vary from person to person, and if there are comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, these co...[Read More] Pentoxifylline for Reducing Creatinine Levels: Efficacy and Duration
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease? Hello Doctor, I had an appointment in October and experienced symptoms of dryness. I consulted a rheumatologist, and all my blood tests came back normal, but my condition shows tendencies towards lupus erythematosus. However, I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many causes of dry symptoms, and Sjögren's syndrome is just one of them. While blood tests show "lupus-like phenomena," there is no definitive evidence of Sjögren's syndrome. Typically, we recommend follow-up visit...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Persistent Hematuria: Should You Be Concerned?
Long-term hematuria? I have been experiencing hematuria for five consecutive years, with urine tests showing +1 to +2 results. I have undergone microscopic examinations three times, which also revealed 6-9 red blood cells. Both urine and blood tests have consistently returned nor...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
There are many causes of hematuria, ranging from stones, glomerulonephritis to tumors. If there are no other abnormalities (such as proteinuria, renal function impairment, or abnormal ultrasound findings), please continue with regular follow-ups. Thank you for your inquiry. The N...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hematuria: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Tongue Numbness and Facial Redness After Exercise
Numbness of the tongue accompanied by facial flushing? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, after dinner, I rested for about an hour and then did aerobic exercise at home for about 20 minutes. I started to feel numbness in my tongue and my face became flushed and swollen. I was unsure ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to wait 3-4 hours after eating before exercising. Exercising before meals is also acceptable, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Since you are 63 years old, you should have an annual health check-up to monitor for any potential issues.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Numbness and Facial Redness After Exercise
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
Difficulty breathing can cause wheezing, and there may be a stabbing or cramping sensation in the heart? Recently, I've been feeling like I have to take deep breaths to get enough air, and this sensation is more pronounced when I'm wearing a mask. After some physical ac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it could potentially be a problem related to the stomach, lungs, or heart. However, further examination may be necessary to determine the exact issue. I recommend visiting a cardiology or pulmonology clinic for evaluation. You may need to undergo...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
Low C3 Complement Levels and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
C3 and C4 complement levels and hair loss? Hello, I have been experiencing hair loss issues for the past two years. The dermatologist mentioned that it is due to scalp inflammation, and I have undergone blood tests. Aside from a low C3 complement level (with values of 64 in June ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A low C3 complement level only indicates that the patient may have an underlying immune disorder and is not directly related to hair loss. If no other tests have been conducted, it would be advisable to consult with a rheumatologist for further ...[Read More] Low C3 Complement Levels and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? This is my second follow-up report, and the ANA titer is still 1:640, the same as the first time. All other further examination indices are normal. The doctor said that my two 640 results are quite high, which suggests that I likely have system...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus involves not only the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test but also the evaluation of other clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. In addition to your current test results, you may discuss with your physici...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
If thyroid antibodies are abnormally high, what dietary changes should be made? Hello, Doctor Gao: I would like to ask you about my current medication, Bile Acid Sequestrants. I have a habit of drinking goji berry tea right after taking the medication. Will this affect the effica...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Does drinking goji berry tea immediately after taking medication affect the efficacy of the drug? --> Goji berries are considered to be between traditional Chinese medicine and food, and their i...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Body temperature issues Hello Doctor, I received the BNT vaccine on November 25th, and for the past three weeks, my body temperature has been consistently elevated. I have been measuring my ear temperature (pulling the ear back and inserting the thermometer deeply), which ranges ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is considered slightly elevated, but it does not reach the level of a true fever (38°C). 2. It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic for a detailed fever evaluation. If everything is normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor, I received the BNT vaccine on November 25th, and for the past three weeks, my body temperature has been consistently elevated. I have been measuring my ear temperature (inserting the thermometer as deeply as possible) and it ranges from ap...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Women's body temperature is indeed relatively higher during menstruation, while it tends to be lower at other times. 2. Generally, a person's body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day; for example, it is lowest in the morning upon waking and tends to be highe...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Inflammation and Treatment Options
Ankylosing spondylitis has fluctuating levels of inflammation markers? Doctor: A young male, 18 years old, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the end of 2020 and started taking Celebrex (200 mg). Below are the CRP (mg/dL) / ESR (mm/hr) and medication records: 2020/11/...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. BNT may lead to instability in certain immune inflammatory diseases. 2. If the ESR is significantly elevated but there are no symptoms, it is advisable to monitor the situation; further investigation should be conducted if abnormalities arise. 3. Disease control includes: ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Inflammation and Treatment Options
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Transmission Concerns in Everyday Situations
Infection risk consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something that happened today, as I am feeling quite anxious. After using the restroom and washing my hands, a colleague walked in and rubbed his hands on my waist three times (I was only wearing a thin shirt)....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on the situation you described, HIV is not transmissible. 2. Alcohol is not effective in eliminating HIV. 3. HIV does not necessarily become activated; however, this situation does not lead to HIV transmission. HIV transmission primarily occurs through sexua...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Transmission Concerns in Everyday Situations
Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?
Do I need further cardiac catheterization based on my report? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============================================================...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, there is no evidence of myocardial infarction or heart failure. Whether a cardiac catheterization is necessary should be determined by a cardiologist based on your symptoms and blood test results. It is recommended that you follow up with a cardiology...[Read More] Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?
Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Syphilis or sexually transmitted infection (STI) I would like to ask the doctor if it is possible to contract genital warts or syphilis in this situation. I purchased a contouring scissor online, and it was left for three days before I used it. When I opened it, it appeared to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cauliflower or syphilis you mentioned is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The speculation you referred to about transmission through contact is unlikely. I suggest not to worry excessively. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?
I have questions regarding my heart examination report. Do I need to undergo further cardiac catheterization? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, there is no evidence of myocardial infarction or heart failure. Whether a cardiac catheterization is necessary should be determined by a cardiologist based on your symptoms and blood test results. It is recommended that you follow up with a cardiology...[Read More] Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?
Essential Considerations for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Surgery
Considerations for Surgery in Diabetic Patients Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, and my initial hemoglobin A1c was 9.1. I am still managing my blood sugar with oral medications, and my current hemoglobin A1c is 7.8. I will be hospitalized for surgery ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello, Ms. Wu. Yes, a blood sugar level of 100-150 is a basic requirement for surgery, and it should remain the same postoperatively.[Read More] Essential Considerations for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Surgery
Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs
Regarding heavy metal mercury? Hello Doctor: On Monday, while I was taking out the trash, I was in a hurry because there was a lot of garbage. As I was walking on the porch, a fluorescent light tube accidentally fell and broke. However, I didn't look back and continued to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since the light tube is not powered, based on your description, the risk of poisoning should be very low. Please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs